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The Ultimate West Cork Itinerary

Now that we are in our Autumn season and things start to get quieter. There is still plenty to do in West Cork and so much to fit into a few days away that we have put together an itinerary of what there is to see & do on your Autumn escape. This is based on 3days in West Cork.

Day1

·        Experience our warm West Cork Welcome and Check into hotel at 3pm.

·        Book an early dinner in our Kingfisher Bar @ 5pm/6pm.

·        Night-time sea kayaking with Atlantic Sea Kayaking. This is a must do when staying in West Cork. You have two options, Kayaking from Reen Pier, Castlehaven Bay (20minutes from hotel) which is a sheltered bay or Lough Hyne (30mins from hotel) which is a salt-water lake located between Skibbereen and Baltimore. Both locations provide an equally magical experience. You do not have to be an experienced kayaker to take part and this runs all year round, subject to weather conditions and must be booked in advance. This truly is a magical experience and one you will not forget. This came highly recommended by Roz Purcell when she staycated in West Cork and she said it was her ‘Go To’ thing to do when staying nearby.

Day2

·        Why not start your day with a relaxing coffee @The Fish Basket and a walk on Long Strand or up to the nearby High Cross. With breath taking views and stunning scenery you can truly relax and take in what West Cork has to offer.

·        Visit Clonakilty Distillery. They offer different tour options from whiskey tasting or Gin tasting to connoisseur whiskey tasting or exclusive whiskey tasting. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of their fully working distillery with expert tour guides.

·        Why not take a walk around Clonakilty town centre and visit one of the many Coffee shops or Cafes for a spot of lunch. There is lovely little Craft shops & clothes shops-CiCi boutique is a must visit for ladies (featured on Lisa’s Lust list and Ireland AM) they have some beautiful dresses, casual clothing all in different price ranges.

·        Follow this up with a visit to the Michael Collins House for either a guided or self-guided tour. Pre- booking is necessary. This museum brings the history of ‘The Big Fella’ to life and showcases his fight for independence. Well worth a visit.

·        Clonakilty Black Pudding now have a visitor centre. This is a family friendly experience and you can learn how the famous black pudding has evolved through the years. Learn how the Twomey family story started and get into the heart of an Irish food story.

·        End your day with dinner, there is lots of options, from the hotel again, our craft food truck at the side of the hotel or Pilgrims, The Market House or O’Callaghan Walsh in Rosscarbery village you truly are spoiled for choice.

Day3

·        Day3 will take you further afield, with a trip to Mizen Head. The scenery here is just out of this world. It is an hour drive from the hotel but with lots of beautiful scenery along the way the hour will fly by. Cross the bridge to the signal station and lights at the most southerly point of Ireland and take in the stunning sea views. There is a café there for lunch and a gift shop if you want a little something to remember your trip.

·        Follow this up with a walk on Barleycove beach, it is one of West Corks most loved beaches and when you get there you will see why. It really is idyllic, like something from a postcard.

·        On your way back through Ballydehob there is a Michelin star restaurant called Restaurant Chestnut. This is well worth a visit. They offer an amazing 8-course tasting menu.

·        You also have the option of returning to Glandore, near the hotel and have dinner in Hayes Bar or The Glandore Inn, a favourite among many visitors to the hotel.

Day 4.

·        All good things must come to an end but why not visit The Warren Beach for a walk before returning home. The Warren is simply stunning. It truly is the perfect way to say goodbye to West Cork, saving the best for last.

·        If you are travelling home via Cork City and you still want to see more, The English Market is the perfect place to visit, for lots of local produce and small businesses in the heart of the hustle & bustle of a beautiful city, you can take home a little taste of Cork.

Some of these activities have smaller opening hours during the Autumn but all do remain open and require booking before going there. The hotel is in the heart of West Cork and offers so much to do nearby it truly is the perfect place to stay this Autumn.